Vase / Oribe / Kouchi Hidetoshi
Three Oribe Vases by Kouchi Hidetoshi
Continuing with our Kouchi Week, here are three of his original Oribe works. Kouchi is gaining much attention, both domestically and overseas, for his innovative, dynamic designs and glazing, breathing life into old Mino styles. Kouchi drags a piece of wood, like a flat stick, over the raw clay form to create the rugged textures. His Oribe,as mentioned, is original, and it's interesting to note that he invented this effect by "mistake". As his mentor Kato Shuntei and other potters of his generation were making very "quiet" Oribe, Kouchi was compelled to make "Oribe with movement". Not only is his Oribe rich, he pours Shino-esque feldspar glaze over the pieces, thus making a unique contrast between green, white, and pinkish tones in his work -indeed, original. Kouchi spends about a day and a half on each piece, and fires through skilled use of his gas kiln. One should note that it is not only his glazing that is unique: his forms, as well, are bold and sculptural, while still retaining great sense of balance and design. The forms here are basically round, diamond-like, and low rectangular. All are fine examples of Kouchi's Oribe and the sizes are 29cm.tall and 16.5cm.across/23.5cm. tall , 33cm.across and 14cm.deep/8.5cm.tall, 28cm.long, and 8cm.deep; all in perfect condition with signed boxes.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
